Allows Mom to rest and pump or multitask in 2 different forward-leaning supportive positions
May reduce stress by getting some work done at the hands-free workstation
Offers the ability to pump hands-free, which enables mom to perform self-breast massage during pump sessions.
Pumping after each breastfeeding session may increase milk supply
Pumping provides nipple stimulation to increase and maintain milk supply
Convenience for moms to pump and then bottle feed the baby
Allows Dad and other family members to bottle feed and bond with the infant
Mom returns to the workplace and is not with the infant to breastfeed
Moms may donate extra milk to a milk bank. Some clinics or hospitals may pay mothers for their milk.
Surrogates may pump and donate her breastmilk after the baby is born and living with their parents
Allows Mom to build a milk supply to store in the freezer, even before the infant needs more milk
Exclusively pumping gives babies all the benefits of breastmilk if Mom cannot nurse or the baby cannot latch for other medical reasons
It’s important to lean slightly forward while pumping. If you don’t, your pump will have to work quite a bit harder to draw milk from your breast, and you may not be emptying your breast properly. Place a pillow behind you to help you comfortably lean forward and use gravity to help empty your breasts.
Pumping times are a myth. You’re most likely pumping to stimulate supply or to relieve an oversupply because your baby isn’t drinking enough of what you make. Either way you will want to empty your breasts completely. It’s important to pump until your milk stops flowing (or flow slows to a small dribble every minute or so) because not doing so can cause plugged ducts and mastitis. Watching the clock can prevent you from pumping until empty. Pump until your milk stops flowing, and then an additional 5 minutes longer; don’t pump until a certain amount of time has elapsed. After a while you’ll get the hang of things and notice about how long it takes to empty your breasts, and you’ll be able to plan time for your pumping sessions in advanced. If you’re having an oversupply, it should regulate as your baby gets older by about 4 months, too.
Even if you’re hands-free pumping, it’s important to massage and compress your breasts while pumping (choose a hands-free pumping bra that is soft enough to allow you to cup your breasts). To compress your breasts, form a C shape with your thumb and index finger around your areola; apply gentle pressure. To massage your breasts, apply gentle pressure with your index and middle finger in small circular motions working down toward the areola. Do this on the top, bottom, inside and outside of your breasts to get all the milk ducts. Don’t massage your areola or too close the flange as that can break the air seal. Remember to massage in your armpit areas too.
